A First Timers Look at The Highland Games

Last Sunday I went along to my first ever Highland Games event at Ray Crump Oval in Primbee.

I had no idea what to expect, but turned up with an open mind. It was a glorious day – sunny with beautiful blue skies, but not too hot.

When the athletes began arriving the atmosphere was amazing – kilts and tartan everywhere. It looked great.

Everyone was so friendly and the more experienced people were very welcoming and encouraging to the newbies, which is great to see. I tended to stay with the girls’ group – most of them were first-timers and that made it really fun.

Geoff Shephard – GS Images

The first event I watched was Weight for Height. The setup looked like some kind of high jump event – with a horizontal bar set up on 2 vertical posts. The competitors stand in the centre beneath the bar and have to throw a weight over their head and backward, up and over the bar. There is quite a knack to this, but the guys from Highland Muscle were there to demonstrate the technique and to keep an eye on the safety of competitors and onlookers.

Finally, there were two competitors left, and the eventual winner was a newbie (TJ Viney) who went on to set a new Australian record for height. It just goes to show you don’t have to have huge muscles, or be experienced to do well.

Geoff Shephard – GS Images

Next, I watched the Scottish Hammer, which is a weight on the end of a flexible rod which competitors twirl around over their heads, then throw as far as they can. Markers are placed in the ground where the weight first lands and competitors get three throw attempts, to try to beat their own (and everyone else’s) distance.

Geoff Shephard – GS Images

From there came the Weight for Distance – a weighted ball on a chain, which competitors throw by spinning around and letting go at just the right time, in order to get the furthest distance they can. And then the Stone Put – similar to what we otherwise know as shotput but with large round smooth stones (rocks, I’d call them) of a certain weight.

Geoff Shephard – GS Images

Finally came the event we were all waiting for – the Caber. Everyone was excited and nervous to have a go at this event. The competitors have to pick up what looks like half a telegraph pole and walk/run with it then toss it so that if flips and (hopefully) lands straight and preferably in the 12.00 position.

Geoff Shephard – GS Images

The day was highlighted by the arrival of the Illawarra Pipe Band who really added to the feel of the day. The performed for half an hour and were amazing.

All in all, it was a fantastic way to spend a sunny Sunday. The athletes had so much fun competing and encouraging each other. The sportsmanship was phenomenal. For anyone who is thinking they might like to try this, I’d say do it! There is always someone on hand to advise and help, and you never know – you might go home with a shiny trophy and a prize. Grab a kilt and give it a go!